Interview 04: Laurie Michelson
Dublin Core
Title
Interview 04: Laurie Michelson
Subject
COVID-19, COVID-19 pandemic, Hoboken, New Jersey
Description
An oral history with Laurie Michelson, business owner (Hair Cult), regarding Hoboken's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as her personal experiences with it.
Creator
Hoboken Public Library
Publisher
Hoboken Public Library
Date
Recorded May 12, 2022
Format
Uploaded recording: .mp3
Preservation recording: .wav
Preservation recording: .wav
Language
English
Type
Oral history
Oral History Item Type Metadata
Original Format
Digital audio file
Duration
00:23:19
Transcription
Q: Thank you for joining us today. Can you please state your name, age, and race, ethnicity, and any other relevant information you want to share for the interview today and today's date?
LM: Hi. My name is Laurie Michelson. I am 57 years old. I am Hispanic, born and raised in, born in Jersey City, raised in Union City. Yeah.
Q: So, do you live and/or work in Hoboken currently and how long have you lived in or worked in Hoboken?
LM: I've lived in Hoboken at various different times. At the moment, I'm living in Union City, but I have owned Hair Cult Salon at 1124 Washington Street for 34 years.
Q: And where were you when the initial lockdown was announced in March of 2020? What do you remember from that day/moment?
LM: I remember joking about it on Saturday thinking we, probably wasn't going to happen, and then, Tuesday rolling around and the New York mayor and everything in the news saying that we were going into lockdown. So, we attempted. We met at the salon, all of our staff, and attempted to take hair color home. We were going to do house calls, and we did a couple that week and realized, you know, like, by Thursday, because that was Tuesday, we realized by Thursday or Friday, you know, that it was pretty serious.
Q: How long did your hair salon have to be shut down for?
LM: Three months and a week. We reopened June 22.
Q: And, you know, do you want to share a little bit about what that experience was like for you and, you know, was it hard not going into work every day, you know?
LM: Yeah. So, initially, we were told it was going to be for two weeks. So, we moved all of our appointments two weeks later. And then, as it got closer realizing it wasn't going to be for two weeks, so we just, kind of, let all of our guests and clients know, you know, let's just wait and we'll call you when something changes. And then, it was really pretty scary, you know, just concerns about—I mean, I've never been off for that amount of time, even, you know, when I was a kid for summer vacation and worked as soon as I could. So, it was really weird. It was very stressful, the whole PPP process and, you know, we were one of the people that got it very late. So, we didn't get that until the end of May. So, just waiting for that was very stressful. And finally, you know, doing classes, you know, we did a lot of education online. We would have, you know, weekly Zoom calls with each other and try to make it as fun as possible, but it was really hard to appreciate the time off until we got a date from, you know, Murphy that we could open on the 22nd.
Q: And so, you and the staff stayed in touch and, you know—
LM: Yes. Yeah. We had weekly Zoom calls. We'd get online and, you know, play some games. And so, initially, for quite a while, I would just come into the salon and just, kind of, sit there and be like, "Holy crap. This is really crazy." And then, once June 1, we got the date that we could reopen, then we just all met at the salon and totally, like, turned it upside down and tweaked it with the six feet apart and decals down and all the protocols. So, the whole time my apartment actually looked like a warehouse because I just was getting deliveries every day with PPP, you know, gloves and, you know, disposable stuff.
Q: And did you feel there was a lot of instructions specifically for your type of business about how they handled that or, you know?
LM: So, the interesting thing about that, which is why we, myself and one of my coworkers, we did volunteer work with Leo Pellegrini packing meals for the seniors down here at I think on 2nd. So, we did that for a little bit, which was really helpful just for our own sanity. And, it was just very interesting mentioning to the people who were there and to Leo, who in turn put me on the task force for the hairdressers, hair salons, barber shops, and nail salons, you know, a lot of the protocols, why it was so confusing for them in their industry to be so low on the totem pole of allowing to be reopened. Most of the protocols that everybody started to do is what we do every day. The sanitation is what we do every day. It's just, it's part of our job just like a nurse or doctor. So, that was very frustrating for us, but a lot of the protocols we already do.
Q: Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, how did the job change as the pandemic continued?
LM: So, before, we used to book our clients very differently, and I think that was a very global thing in the salon industry where hairdressers would sometimes book two or three clients at once and we just tended to walk around, like, ragged. So, because we were only able to take one client at a time, that's just been really, really great for us, for the client. You know, it's much more one on one. It's much more personal. So, that really has, kind of, remained for us.
Q: And you think that's something you'd keep even, you know, as the pandemic lessens—
LM: Yeah.
Q: …that maybe, you know—
LM: We've continued to do that.
Q: Yeah, yeah.
LM: Yeah.
Q: How has your family's lives been impacted by the pandemic?
LM: So, my daughter is in college, so she is home, you know. I think young, a lot of young—It's interesting because there's some young kids that are in college who are just, kind of, like, they thought they were indestructible. And then, there were kids like, you know, my daughter, and I think a lot of kids that were in this area, where it's much more congested with people, where, you know, she just wouldn't leave the house if she wasn't double masked with, like, a K-95 or, you know, didn't want to be around people who weren't vaccinated. So, as far as my family life, it wasn't terribly impacted other than, you know—I mean, it was great to be home and have that time together.
Q: Was she usually away at school or did she usually—
LM: She'd go to school every day. She lives with me.
Q: Okay. Yeah, yeah.
LM: Yeah.
Q: So, she was, like, doing online school and—
LM: Yes.
Q: ...for part of it?
LM: Virtual, yeah.
Q: And then, is she going back to—
LM: Yes.
Q: …in-person now? What are some of the things that occurred that you think those outside of your own work experience might not have realized or, you know, volunteer experience you had about the pandemic? Like, the things that went on that you saw from your perspective, specific experience, like working at the salon or doing the volunteer work that others of us might not have known about happening.
LM: So, it was interesting, you know, packing meals, like, with the seniors. You know, we had never volunteered in a situation like that, so, you know, it was interesting how when we delivered the meals to the people, you know, we weren't allowed to go into their apartments. But, so many wanted us to come in. You know, they just wanted to, like, talk. So, we'd sometimes just stand at their doorway and chat with them and talk with them and, you know. I think it made people very lonely.
Q: Yeah.
LM: The experience of it.
Q: So, you were, kind of, delivering food and, kind of companionship?
LM: Yeah, yeah. My coworker and I—
Q: Yeah.
LM: …would take forever to get back down. They'd be like, you know, "Wow. You guys took so long." And, it's like, "Well, you know, so and so wanted to talk about this and the other one was showing us their artwork."
Q: Yeah.
LM: I mean, we're the people in the street, so, you know, we love to talk.
Q: Did your view of yourself in any way change during the pandemic? Did those that you work with view themselves, you know, differently, you know? You know, just how society is, did, kind of, your moral view change?
LM: Yeah. So, I have always prided myself on staying on trend and just always continuing my business education with, you know, whether it's software, technology. So, once we came back, there were things about my business model that I just tweaked, changed. And, it's paid off. It's been really great.
Q: Good to hear. Were people really excited to get back, like, to, like, getting their hair done and stuff?
LM: Oh, my gosh, yes.
Q: A lot of people, that was, like, through the pandemic, you'd hear from them, and they'd be like, "I need a real haircut. I can't cut my own hair."
LM: It was really great. There were lots of tears, and it was great. We have, you know, I've been in Uptown for 34 years. So, we have a really wonderful, loyal clientele, you know. A lot of people just went crazy buying gift certificates just to, you know, be able to support us. It was really heartwarming. It was great.
Q: Well, that's good to hear. Has your job been impacted at all by the supply chain issues that are going along, going on, or do you know any other people that have been impacted by that?
LM: Very little. Very little.
Q: And during the pandemic, did you have any difficulty obtaining supplies, like cleaning supplies? You were saying about the stocking up before the salon opens or anything, you know, that you had—
LM: Well, I think, like everybody, you know—
Q: Yeah.
LM: …we had to get Lysol. It was hard to find, like, Clorox wipes. You know, Lysol was probably the big thing where, you know, it was, sort of, like, an ongoing joke. If anybody saw it anywhere, like, get as many as you can, and Clorox wipes, Clorox cleaner. We never had a big issues with, like, toilet paper or anything like that.
Q: That's good. And, you talked a little bit, like, about the process. You know, you took good care of the workplace. Was there anything, you know, special that you did, you know, yourself that was beyond what they recommended or you and your family? Didn't you mention, like, your daughter with the masking? Anything else?
LM: So, what we did in the salon was we ordered masks and then we had what they called fashion tape, which is a tape you would use to, like, keep your clothes on your face. Most women usually use it. So, we would put them on the edges of the mask so that, if we were doing someone who had hair color, they wouldn't have to put the strap around the ear.
Q: Oh, that's such a good idea.
LM: Yeah. Yeah. It was great.
Q: Yeah.
LM: It was very helpful.
Q: And did you feel prepared for the pandemic based on the training or previous life experience or, you know, was it just completely a shock to you? What did you feel like?
LM: I don't think anybody was prepared for that.
Q: Yeah.
LM: You know? I think I will now be prepared if it happens again, which was part of tweaking, you know, my business model, but I don't know many people who were ready or prepared for that. I think, you know, I'm very thankful and grateful for PPP and the SBA, and I don't think many people could have gotten through without that.
Q: Have things mostly got back to normal for you or do you still feel the effects of the pandemic, you know?
LM: Things have been pretty back to normal—
Q: Yeah.
LM: …except for, you know, pockets of, you know, an uptick, you know, the last couple of weeks. There's been, like, a lot of, like—
Q: Yeah.
LM: …people with COVID, but we still wear masks.
Q: Yeah.
LM: It's our choice. It's optional for our guests, but, you know, when we have a guest who calls us two days after they've been in and say that they have COVID, you know—
Q: Yeah.
LM: …we test. And, we feel good that we are still wearing masks.
Q: Do you have friends or family in other states or other countries? And what were their experiences, you know, compared to yours in Hoboken?
LM: Well, we have family in Florida, and, you know, there was no COVID in Florida.
Q: Yeah.
LM: Quote, unquote.
Q: Yeah.
LM: I'm being sarcastic. You know, like, we have our family all from Florida. And, they're, like, "Why are you guys home?"
Q: Yeah.
LM: Like, it's a pandemic. We have to be home. You know, they just really, they weren't as serious about it. It's like it really wasn't happening to them, you know, which is, kind of, frustrating.
Q: Yeah. Do you think there was anything about being in Hoboken that made your pandemic experience unique or do you feel you had, you know, similar experiences to other places? Do you think that Hoboken was special in some ways of how they handled things or population density or, you know?
LM: I feel that, you know, I was grateful that we had a lot of communication, but I think living so close to New York City, I feel, like, you know, we were a bit luckier than what was happening in the city. But, you know, we're so close that it was very similar.
Q: Yeah.
LM: Yeah.
Q: And do you know any other people in town that had local business and were their experiences similar or different than yours?
LM: I think everybody who owns a business that I know had a similar experience.
Q: Yeah. Yeah. Have you made any changes in your life or your job that you plan to keep even after the pandemic? I know you said there were a couple a things in the salon.
LM: Yeah. So, we'll probably wear masks, you know, for a long time. You know, we don't mind it.
Q: Yeah.
LM: It makes a lot of sense for us just because we're on top of people all the time. We will not double and triple book like we used to do, and I think that that's probably the salon industry globally. I will always wear a mask when I fly, for sure. Yeah. Other than that.
Q: And has the pandemic changed anything about how you view Hoboken?
LM: I like the eateries on the street. That's kinda fun.
Q: Yeah.
LM: I think it's, kind of, cool. I hope we keep them for a while.
Q: Do you want to describe them a little bit about, so, for the recording?
LM: Yeah. So, one of the things that I really enjoy, I mean, I think now, two years later, people are, sort of, accustomed to the parking spots that we don't have, you know. They figure it out and you park somewhere else. But just having the restaurants have tables outside with them covered. Some of them have done nicer jobs than others, but, you know, just I think it's just a nice thing to sit outside. And, they've been able to, you know, like a place like Augustino's that had, like, maybe five or six tables now has, like, 10 more tables outside. So, at least they know that during summer months where, you know, sometimes people might get a little slower at times, now they know that they can make a little bit more earnings and profitability, you know, because they have these outdoor eateries.
Q: And what other changes do you think you've noticed in Hoboken since the pandemic?
LM: I don't really see any, you know, planters in the corners, but, I mean, I think we're pretty back to normal.
Q: And do you have any predictions for the future for Hoboken?
LM: Let's see. I am not super happy about the rush of putting, you know, marijuana dispensaries everywhere. That, kind of, concerns me a little bit. I don't think it's necessary, so I fear that we may become a town of, you know, hair salons, nail salons, marijuana dispensaries and physical therapy offices. So, that's really, you know, my only concern for our future. I'd love for it to continue being a small town where people want to come and raise their kids, and, you know, it's great that my daughter can just walk around town at seven, eight years old. You didn't have to worry because you know someone's going to know her everywhere, you know. I wanted to say that small town feeling.
Q: Anything else you'd like to mention about Hoboken related to the pandemic or your personal experiences?
LM: Just I feel like, I feel that our mayor did a really good job. He is very open. You know, anytime that I had something to say, I could message him on Facebook and he was very responsive and his team was very responsive. You know, that made me really happy.
Q: Anything else pandemic-related you'd want future generations of Hobokenites to know about?
LM: I mean, I think everybody now is always going to have a stash of, you know-what's the word I'm looking for-a survivor's kit, I mean, like, a can of Lysol, a box of masks, you know, wipes, toilet paper. You know, that's going to be, like, our new survival kit I think. You know? But, I think once the fact that we've experienced it, we have the experience.
Q: Yeah.
LM: Now, we know what'll need to happen and what we need to do.
Q: Yeah. And if you, sometime in the far future, there's a similar pandemic or, you know, another pandemic happens, what would you tell people that are going through that? Like, what would your words of advice to them?
LM: I think enjoy the time. Enjoy the time. Like, if I, now of course, there is just no way of knowing, so it was just a very stressful time of unknown, and, you know, I employ seven people. So, it was very fearful knowing what that outcome would be of other people's employment. So, you know, just really I think it will, it's a matter right now if anybody's in business, like, shame on you if you didn't use this experience to prepare for it happening again because it could happen again. But, be prepared and, you know, enjoy the time if it happens again and have it.
Q: Was there anything that you kept, like, when you had to be, like, locked down with your daughter, that you guys did to, kind of, like, really de-stress or, you know, like—
LM: We worked out. I worked out a lot at home. You know, we did a lot of Zoom calls, watched a lot of TV, and cooked. Yeah.
Q: Anything else you want to share with to listeners of the recording?
LM: No. Just, you know, I appreciate the interest, you know. It's nice to be able to tell my story. Yeah. I think it's important for people to know.
Q: Yeah. Thank you so much.
LM: Thank you.
Q: We are really thinking of, you know, people that live in town that are local business owners coming in and talk to us.
LM: Yeah. Thank you.
Q: Thank you.
LM: Thanks for asking.
LM: Hi. My name is Laurie Michelson. I am 57 years old. I am Hispanic, born and raised in, born in Jersey City, raised in Union City. Yeah.
Q: So, do you live and/or work in Hoboken currently and how long have you lived in or worked in Hoboken?
LM: I've lived in Hoboken at various different times. At the moment, I'm living in Union City, but I have owned Hair Cult Salon at 1124 Washington Street for 34 years.
Q: And where were you when the initial lockdown was announced in March of 2020? What do you remember from that day/moment?
LM: I remember joking about it on Saturday thinking we, probably wasn't going to happen, and then, Tuesday rolling around and the New York mayor and everything in the news saying that we were going into lockdown. So, we attempted. We met at the salon, all of our staff, and attempted to take hair color home. We were going to do house calls, and we did a couple that week and realized, you know, like, by Thursday, because that was Tuesday, we realized by Thursday or Friday, you know, that it was pretty serious.
Q: How long did your hair salon have to be shut down for?
LM: Three months and a week. We reopened June 22.
Q: And, you know, do you want to share a little bit about what that experience was like for you and, you know, was it hard not going into work every day, you know?
LM: Yeah. So, initially, we were told it was going to be for two weeks. So, we moved all of our appointments two weeks later. And then, as it got closer realizing it wasn't going to be for two weeks, so we just, kind of, let all of our guests and clients know, you know, let's just wait and we'll call you when something changes. And then, it was really pretty scary, you know, just concerns about—I mean, I've never been off for that amount of time, even, you know, when I was a kid for summer vacation and worked as soon as I could. So, it was really weird. It was very stressful, the whole PPP process and, you know, we were one of the people that got it very late. So, we didn't get that until the end of May. So, just waiting for that was very stressful. And finally, you know, doing classes, you know, we did a lot of education online. We would have, you know, weekly Zoom calls with each other and try to make it as fun as possible, but it was really hard to appreciate the time off until we got a date from, you know, Murphy that we could open on the 22nd.
Q: And so, you and the staff stayed in touch and, you know—
LM: Yes. Yeah. We had weekly Zoom calls. We'd get online and, you know, play some games. And so, initially, for quite a while, I would just come into the salon and just, kind of, sit there and be like, "Holy crap. This is really crazy." And then, once June 1, we got the date that we could reopen, then we just all met at the salon and totally, like, turned it upside down and tweaked it with the six feet apart and decals down and all the protocols. So, the whole time my apartment actually looked like a warehouse because I just was getting deliveries every day with PPP, you know, gloves and, you know, disposable stuff.
Q: And did you feel there was a lot of instructions specifically for your type of business about how they handled that or, you know?
LM: So, the interesting thing about that, which is why we, myself and one of my coworkers, we did volunteer work with Leo Pellegrini packing meals for the seniors down here at I think on 2nd. So, we did that for a little bit, which was really helpful just for our own sanity. And, it was just very interesting mentioning to the people who were there and to Leo, who in turn put me on the task force for the hairdressers, hair salons, barber shops, and nail salons, you know, a lot of the protocols, why it was so confusing for them in their industry to be so low on the totem pole of allowing to be reopened. Most of the protocols that everybody started to do is what we do every day. The sanitation is what we do every day. It's just, it's part of our job just like a nurse or doctor. So, that was very frustrating for us, but a lot of the protocols we already do.
Q: Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, how did the job change as the pandemic continued?
LM: So, before, we used to book our clients very differently, and I think that was a very global thing in the salon industry where hairdressers would sometimes book two or three clients at once and we just tended to walk around, like, ragged. So, because we were only able to take one client at a time, that's just been really, really great for us, for the client. You know, it's much more one on one. It's much more personal. So, that really has, kind of, remained for us.
Q: And you think that's something you'd keep even, you know, as the pandemic lessens—
LM: Yeah.
Q: …that maybe, you know—
LM: We've continued to do that.
Q: Yeah, yeah.
LM: Yeah.
Q: How has your family's lives been impacted by the pandemic?
LM: So, my daughter is in college, so she is home, you know. I think young, a lot of young—It's interesting because there's some young kids that are in college who are just, kind of, like, they thought they were indestructible. And then, there were kids like, you know, my daughter, and I think a lot of kids that were in this area, where it's much more congested with people, where, you know, she just wouldn't leave the house if she wasn't double masked with, like, a K-95 or, you know, didn't want to be around people who weren't vaccinated. So, as far as my family life, it wasn't terribly impacted other than, you know—I mean, it was great to be home and have that time together.
Q: Was she usually away at school or did she usually—
LM: She'd go to school every day. She lives with me.
Q: Okay. Yeah, yeah.
LM: Yeah.
Q: So, she was, like, doing online school and—
LM: Yes.
Q: ...for part of it?
LM: Virtual, yeah.
Q: And then, is she going back to—
LM: Yes.
Q: …in-person now? What are some of the things that occurred that you think those outside of your own work experience might not have realized or, you know, volunteer experience you had about the pandemic? Like, the things that went on that you saw from your perspective, specific experience, like working at the salon or doing the volunteer work that others of us might not have known about happening.
LM: So, it was interesting, you know, packing meals, like, with the seniors. You know, we had never volunteered in a situation like that, so, you know, it was interesting how when we delivered the meals to the people, you know, we weren't allowed to go into their apartments. But, so many wanted us to come in. You know, they just wanted to, like, talk. So, we'd sometimes just stand at their doorway and chat with them and talk with them and, you know. I think it made people very lonely.
Q: Yeah.
LM: The experience of it.
Q: So, you were, kind of, delivering food and, kind of companionship?
LM: Yeah, yeah. My coworker and I—
Q: Yeah.
LM: …would take forever to get back down. They'd be like, you know, "Wow. You guys took so long." And, it's like, "Well, you know, so and so wanted to talk about this and the other one was showing us their artwork."
Q: Yeah.
LM: I mean, we're the people in the street, so, you know, we love to talk.
Q: Did your view of yourself in any way change during the pandemic? Did those that you work with view themselves, you know, differently, you know? You know, just how society is, did, kind of, your moral view change?
LM: Yeah. So, I have always prided myself on staying on trend and just always continuing my business education with, you know, whether it's software, technology. So, once we came back, there were things about my business model that I just tweaked, changed. And, it's paid off. It's been really great.
Q: Good to hear. Were people really excited to get back, like, to, like, getting their hair done and stuff?
LM: Oh, my gosh, yes.
Q: A lot of people, that was, like, through the pandemic, you'd hear from them, and they'd be like, "I need a real haircut. I can't cut my own hair."
LM: It was really great. There were lots of tears, and it was great. We have, you know, I've been in Uptown for 34 years. So, we have a really wonderful, loyal clientele, you know. A lot of people just went crazy buying gift certificates just to, you know, be able to support us. It was really heartwarming. It was great.
Q: Well, that's good to hear. Has your job been impacted at all by the supply chain issues that are going along, going on, or do you know any other people that have been impacted by that?
LM: Very little. Very little.
Q: And during the pandemic, did you have any difficulty obtaining supplies, like cleaning supplies? You were saying about the stocking up before the salon opens or anything, you know, that you had—
LM: Well, I think, like everybody, you know—
Q: Yeah.
LM: …we had to get Lysol. It was hard to find, like, Clorox wipes. You know, Lysol was probably the big thing where, you know, it was, sort of, like, an ongoing joke. If anybody saw it anywhere, like, get as many as you can, and Clorox wipes, Clorox cleaner. We never had a big issues with, like, toilet paper or anything like that.
Q: That's good. And, you talked a little bit, like, about the process. You know, you took good care of the workplace. Was there anything, you know, special that you did, you know, yourself that was beyond what they recommended or you and your family? Didn't you mention, like, your daughter with the masking? Anything else?
LM: So, what we did in the salon was we ordered masks and then we had what they called fashion tape, which is a tape you would use to, like, keep your clothes on your face. Most women usually use it. So, we would put them on the edges of the mask so that, if we were doing someone who had hair color, they wouldn't have to put the strap around the ear.
Q: Oh, that's such a good idea.
LM: Yeah. Yeah. It was great.
Q: Yeah.
LM: It was very helpful.
Q: And did you feel prepared for the pandemic based on the training or previous life experience or, you know, was it just completely a shock to you? What did you feel like?
LM: I don't think anybody was prepared for that.
Q: Yeah.
LM: You know? I think I will now be prepared if it happens again, which was part of tweaking, you know, my business model, but I don't know many people who were ready or prepared for that. I think, you know, I'm very thankful and grateful for PPP and the SBA, and I don't think many people could have gotten through without that.
Q: Have things mostly got back to normal for you or do you still feel the effects of the pandemic, you know?
LM: Things have been pretty back to normal—
Q: Yeah.
LM: …except for, you know, pockets of, you know, an uptick, you know, the last couple of weeks. There's been, like, a lot of, like—
Q: Yeah.
LM: …people with COVID, but we still wear masks.
Q: Yeah.
LM: It's our choice. It's optional for our guests, but, you know, when we have a guest who calls us two days after they've been in and say that they have COVID, you know—
Q: Yeah.
LM: …we test. And, we feel good that we are still wearing masks.
Q: Do you have friends or family in other states or other countries? And what were their experiences, you know, compared to yours in Hoboken?
LM: Well, we have family in Florida, and, you know, there was no COVID in Florida.
Q: Yeah.
LM: Quote, unquote.
Q: Yeah.
LM: I'm being sarcastic. You know, like, we have our family all from Florida. And, they're, like, "Why are you guys home?"
Q: Yeah.
LM: Like, it's a pandemic. We have to be home. You know, they just really, they weren't as serious about it. It's like it really wasn't happening to them, you know, which is, kind of, frustrating.
Q: Yeah. Do you think there was anything about being in Hoboken that made your pandemic experience unique or do you feel you had, you know, similar experiences to other places? Do you think that Hoboken was special in some ways of how they handled things or population density or, you know?
LM: I feel that, you know, I was grateful that we had a lot of communication, but I think living so close to New York City, I feel, like, you know, we were a bit luckier than what was happening in the city. But, you know, we're so close that it was very similar.
Q: Yeah.
LM: Yeah.
Q: And do you know any other people in town that had local business and were their experiences similar or different than yours?
LM: I think everybody who owns a business that I know had a similar experience.
Q: Yeah. Yeah. Have you made any changes in your life or your job that you plan to keep even after the pandemic? I know you said there were a couple a things in the salon.
LM: Yeah. So, we'll probably wear masks, you know, for a long time. You know, we don't mind it.
Q: Yeah.
LM: It makes a lot of sense for us just because we're on top of people all the time. We will not double and triple book like we used to do, and I think that that's probably the salon industry globally. I will always wear a mask when I fly, for sure. Yeah. Other than that.
Q: And has the pandemic changed anything about how you view Hoboken?
LM: I like the eateries on the street. That's kinda fun.
Q: Yeah.
LM: I think it's, kind of, cool. I hope we keep them for a while.
Q: Do you want to describe them a little bit about, so, for the recording?
LM: Yeah. So, one of the things that I really enjoy, I mean, I think now, two years later, people are, sort of, accustomed to the parking spots that we don't have, you know. They figure it out and you park somewhere else. But just having the restaurants have tables outside with them covered. Some of them have done nicer jobs than others, but, you know, just I think it's just a nice thing to sit outside. And, they've been able to, you know, like a place like Augustino's that had, like, maybe five or six tables now has, like, 10 more tables outside. So, at least they know that during summer months where, you know, sometimes people might get a little slower at times, now they know that they can make a little bit more earnings and profitability, you know, because they have these outdoor eateries.
Q: And what other changes do you think you've noticed in Hoboken since the pandemic?
LM: I don't really see any, you know, planters in the corners, but, I mean, I think we're pretty back to normal.
Q: And do you have any predictions for the future for Hoboken?
LM: Let's see. I am not super happy about the rush of putting, you know, marijuana dispensaries everywhere. That, kind of, concerns me a little bit. I don't think it's necessary, so I fear that we may become a town of, you know, hair salons, nail salons, marijuana dispensaries and physical therapy offices. So, that's really, you know, my only concern for our future. I'd love for it to continue being a small town where people want to come and raise their kids, and, you know, it's great that my daughter can just walk around town at seven, eight years old. You didn't have to worry because you know someone's going to know her everywhere, you know. I wanted to say that small town feeling.
Q: Anything else you'd like to mention about Hoboken related to the pandemic or your personal experiences?
LM: Just I feel like, I feel that our mayor did a really good job. He is very open. You know, anytime that I had something to say, I could message him on Facebook and he was very responsive and his team was very responsive. You know, that made me really happy.
Q: Anything else pandemic-related you'd want future generations of Hobokenites to know about?
LM: I mean, I think everybody now is always going to have a stash of, you know-what's the word I'm looking for-a survivor's kit, I mean, like, a can of Lysol, a box of masks, you know, wipes, toilet paper. You know, that's going to be, like, our new survival kit I think. You know? But, I think once the fact that we've experienced it, we have the experience.
Q: Yeah.
LM: Now, we know what'll need to happen and what we need to do.
Q: Yeah. And if you, sometime in the far future, there's a similar pandemic or, you know, another pandemic happens, what would you tell people that are going through that? Like, what would your words of advice to them?
LM: I think enjoy the time. Enjoy the time. Like, if I, now of course, there is just no way of knowing, so it was just a very stressful time of unknown, and, you know, I employ seven people. So, it was very fearful knowing what that outcome would be of other people's employment. So, you know, just really I think it will, it's a matter right now if anybody's in business, like, shame on you if you didn't use this experience to prepare for it happening again because it could happen again. But, be prepared and, you know, enjoy the time if it happens again and have it.
Q: Was there anything that you kept, like, when you had to be, like, locked down with your daughter, that you guys did to, kind of, like, really de-stress or, you know, like—
LM: We worked out. I worked out a lot at home. You know, we did a lot of Zoom calls, watched a lot of TV, and cooked. Yeah.
Q: Anything else you want to share with to listeners of the recording?
LM: No. Just, you know, I appreciate the interest, you know. It's nice to be able to tell my story. Yeah. I think it's important for people to know.
Q: Yeah. Thank you so much.
LM: Thank you.
Q: We are really thinking of, you know, people that live in town that are local business owners coming in and talk to us.
LM: Yeah. Thank you.
Q: Thank you.
LM: Thanks for asking.
Interviewer
Aimee Harris
Interviewee
Laurie Michelson
Location
Hoboken Public Library, Hoboken, New Jersey
Citation
Hoboken Public Library, “Interview 04: Laurie Michelson,” Hoboken Public Library's 2022 COVID-19 Oral History Project, accessed May 14, 2024, https://hobokenoralhistory2022.omeka.net/items/show/4.